Store clerk robbed at knife point

LEWISTON – The search was on Monday night for a man who robbed a Big Apple clerk at knife point just after 10 p.m.

Police searched area streets and businesses and a tracking dog was used to pick up a scent after the suspect was seen running away on foot following the late night heist.

It happened at the Big Apple store on outer Lisbon Street about 10:10 p.m., police said. A clerk there said a man walked into the store, threatened him with a knife and demanded money.

The suspect was last seen running toward the back of the store as the clerk called for help.

Police quickly blocked off the entrances and exits to the store and began searching around the building. Other officers went to the Morning Star Motel across the street to compile a list of occupants.

A Maine State Police dog quickly picked up a scent and ran with its keeper further up Lisbon Street to a new Mobil store roughly a fifth of a mile away. The dog led the officers to a wooded area behind that store before the scent was lost.

Police were scouring back roads behind the Big Apple and checking other motels in the area as the search continued later Monday night.

The clerk who was robbed told police the suspect was possibly Hispanic with a goatee. The clerk was not hurt in the heist.

Police are asking that anyone with information about the robbery phone them at 784-6422.